4 Trade Targets Who Could Save the Yankees at the MLB Trade Deadline
Sportsgrid Staff
Host · Writer
Jazz Chisholm Jr. - Miami Marlins
Yesterday, the New York Post reported that the Yankees have shown interest in Miami Marlins star center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. The extent of their interest isn't detailed, but discussions have included the possibility of Chisholm playing "mostly infield."
Chisholm has experience at second base from 2021 and 2022, where he was rated positively in defense by both OAA (8) and DRS (7). Since transitioning to center field last year, his defensive ratings have dropped according to DRS (-14), though OAA (4) suggests he's near league average.
His optimal position likely remains at second base, where he could potentially replace Gleyber Torres in the Yankees lineup. Should Torres find his rhythm at the plate, Chisholm has the versatility to join Judge and Soto in the outfield.
Brian Cashman could consider an innovative approach by bolstering both the bullpen and lineup in a single trade.
In a strategic move, acquiring both Scott and Chisholm from the Marlins might prove more cost-effective than pursuing Scott and Rengifo through separate transactions. However, Chisholm's performance this year, with stats of .256/.325/.414, 11 home runs, and 18 stolen bases, yielding a 106 wRC+, does not match Rengifo's more impressive 126 wRC+. Despite this, Chisholm's power-hitting capabilities, particularly suited for the Yankees' short right field porch, present a compelling case.
As the trade deadline looms, the Yankees must carefully consider their options, especially with the need to supplement their infield and address the underperformance of veteran players.
With just three months of Juan Soto guaranteed in a Yankee uniform, urgency is paramount in The Bronx. Cashman is positioned to secure significant assets without relinquishing top prospects.
Failure to secure a World Series title and potentially losing Soto after the season could retrospectively cast this deadline as a critical juncture for Cashman's tenure with the Yankees.
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Who Can the Yankees Target?
Less than a month ago, the Yankees were leading the Major Leagues with an impressive 50-22 record, seemingly on track for a strong postseason run.
Despite missing Gerrit Cole, the Yankees' starting rotation consistently delivered quality starts, keeping the team in a winning position. Luis Gil was quickly becoming a Rookie of the Year contender, while Aaron Judge and Juan Soto were each making a strong case for MVP.
Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman was lauded for assembling what many considered his best roster in years. With Cole set to return, the Yankees boasted the best duo in baseball, and everything appeared to be in its rightful place with the Yankees at the pinnacle of the baseball world.
However, the situation has dramatically reversed, and for nearly a month now, the Yankees have been the worst team in baseball. With a 7-18 record since June 13th, their performance has been poorer than even the Marlins, Rockies, and Athletics, each of whom won nine games in the same timeframe.
Suddenly, the Yankees seem vulnerable, far from the powerhouse team expected to easily sail into October.
The reality of this team likely falls somewhere between the two extremes seen this year. They may not be as dominant as the 50-22 squad, but they are certainly better than a 7-18 record.
What is clear is that this roster needs reinforcements.
Injuries to key players have certainly taken a toll, but there are other gaps that injured players alone cannot fill.
With significant uncertainty in the lineup and pressure on Cashman to maximize the only guaranteed season with Juan Soto and Aaron Judge together, strategic moves at the deadline are crucial.
Here are four players the Yankees should consider targeting to help ignite a second-half surge.
Luis Rengifo – Los Angeles Angels
For Yankee fans, it has become routine to witness only a few players in the lineup produce effectively, while the others struggle significantly at the plate. This season, notable performances are coming from Judge, Soto, and rookie Ben Rice, who are all having productive at-bats. In contrast, the rest of the lineup is underperforming.
Given the urgent need for infield assistance, the Yankees are likely keen on acquiring Luis Rengifo from the Angels.
Despite battling some injuries this season, Rengifo's generally healthy track record makes him a gamble worth taking. Although batting average and on-base percentage may not hold the significance they once did, they still contribute positively in Rengifo's case.
The 27-year-old boasts a .315 batting average and a .358 OBP over 251 at-bats this season, stats the Yankees are in dire need of. Moreover, he ranks in the top 7% of the league in strikeout percentage (13.4%), which is crucial. Having players who can consistently reach base will complement Judge and Soto, making it tougher for opposing managers and pitchers to pitch around these Yankee power hitters.
Rengifo's defensive versatility is another asset, allowing manager Aaron Boone greater flexibility in setting his lineup.
While Rengifo might not single-handedly resolve all the Yankees' offensive woes, his addition could significantly bolster a lineup that struggled heading into the All-Star break. As players return from injuries and new acquisitions like Rengifo integrate, the infield gaps are likely to close, possibly restoring the team’s competitive edge.
LHP Tanner Scott – Miami Marlins
In baseball, it's a known fact that teams can never have too much relief pitching, a lesson that becomes apparent season after season with pitchers either getting injured or underperforming. Historically, the Yankees have boasted extremely strong bullpens, often sealing games by the sixth or seventh inning when ahead.
However, 2024 tells a different tale for the Yankees bullpen, which, while not terrible, has not shown the dominance of previous years. With the bullpen suffering from numerous injuries and inconsistency, Tanner Scott from Miami, who was recently named to his first All-Star Game, appears to be an ideal addition at the trade deadline.
The 29-year-old southpaw has been impressive this season, posting a 1.38 ERA across 38 games for Miami. Scott's ability to generate weak contact would make him a valuable asset at Yankee Stadium. He leads the league in average exit velocity (83.3 mph) and ranks in the top 10% in expected batting average (.188), Whiff rate (32.2%), and Hard Hit rate (29.2%). As a dominant lefty, Scott could be the crucial piece to bolster the bullpen, helping to maintain leads before transitioning to All-Star closer Clay Holmes in the ninth. Scott will no doubt be a highly coveted pitcher at the deadline, but for the Yankees, aiming to break free from their current slump and pursue a World Series title, securing Scott should be a priority.
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Garrett Crochet – Chicago White Sox (SP)
The same holds true for starting pitching in the Major Leagues – one can never have too much. About a month ago, debates raged among Yankee fans about who would be relegated to the bullpen upon the return of reigning Cy Young Award winner Gerrit Cole. Fast forward to today, and the situation for the Yankees' starting rotation looks markedly different than it did a month ago.
Yankees starters have endured the worst month compared to all other rotations in the league, with a significant decline from one month to the next.
Moreover, Cole has not yet returned to form, and Clarke Schmidt is still awaiting his turn to throw off a mound. What was once an overpowering and crowded starting rotation now appears quite depleted. It wouldn’t be surprising if Cashman at least explores the possibility of acquiring an electric starting pitcher like Garrett Crochet.
The White Sox ace has been dominant at times this year, transitioning from a reliever to an All-Star starter. Crochet is a strikeout machine, currently leading the league with 146 strikeouts in 19 starts for Chicago.
The hard-throwing lefty represents a dream acquisition for a general manager looking to add a potential superstar at the deadline. His impressive stats on Baseball Savant speak volumes. Although acquiring him might be the most unlikely move for the Yankees this deadline, it would certainly be the most thrilling. The chance to integrate a powerful left-handed pitcher into the rotation could be an opportunity Cashman finds too compelling to overlook, and it might just invigorate the entire rotation.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. - Miami Marlins
Yesterday, the New York Post reported that the Yankees have shown interest in Miami Marlins star center fielder Jazz Chisholm Jr. The extent of their interest isn't detailed, but discussions have included the possibility of Chisholm playing "mostly infield."
Chisholm has experience at second base from 2021 and 2022, where he was rated positively in defense by both OAA (8) and DRS (7). Since transitioning to center field last year, his defensive ratings have dropped according to DRS (-14), though OAA (4) suggests he's near league average.
His optimal position likely remains at second base, where he could potentially replace Gleyber Torres in the Yankees lineup. Should Torres find his rhythm at the plate, Chisholm has the versatility to join Judge and Soto in the outfield.
Brian Cashman could consider an innovative approach by bolstering both the bullpen and lineup in a single trade.
In a strategic move, acquiring both Scott and Chisholm from the Marlins might prove more cost-effective than pursuing Scott and Rengifo through separate transactions. However, Chisholm's performance this year, with stats of .256/.325/.414, 11 home runs, and 18 stolen bases, yielding a 106 wRC+, does not match Rengifo's more impressive 126 wRC+. Despite this, Chisholm's power-hitting capabilities, particularly suited for the Yankees' short right field porch, present a compelling case.
As the trade deadline looms, the Yankees must carefully consider their options, especially with the need to supplement their infield and address the underperformance of veteran players.
With just three months of Juan Soto guaranteed in a Yankee uniform, urgency is paramount in The Bronx. Cashman is positioned to secure significant assets without relinquishing top prospects.
Failure to secure a World Series title and potentially losing Soto after the season could retrospectively cast this deadline as a critical juncture for Cashman's tenure with the Yankees.
Stay ahead of the game and elevate your sports betting experience with SportsGrid.
Who Can the Yankees Target?
Less than a month ago, the Yankees were leading the Major Leagues with an impressive 50-22 record, seemingly on track for a strong postseason run.
Despite missing Gerrit Cole, the Yankees' starting rotation consistently delivered quality starts, keeping the team in a winning position. Luis Gil was quickly becoming a Rookie of the Year contender, while Aaron Judge and Juan Soto were each making a strong case for MVP.
Yankees General Manager Brian Cashman was lauded for assembling what many considered his best roster in years. With Cole set to return, the Yankees boasted the best duo in baseball, and everything appeared to be in its rightful place with the Yankees at the pinnacle of the baseball world.
However, the situation has dramatically reversed, and for nearly a month now, the Yankees have been the worst team in baseball. With a 7-18 record since June 13th, their performance has been poorer than even the Marlins, Rockies, and Athletics, each of whom won nine games in the same timeframe.
Suddenly, the Yankees seem vulnerable, far from the powerhouse team expected to easily sail into October.
The reality of this team likely falls somewhere between the two extremes seen this year. They may not be as dominant as the 50-22 squad, but they are certainly better than a 7-18 record.
What is clear is that this roster needs reinforcements.
Injuries to key players have certainly taken a toll, but there are other gaps that injured players alone cannot fill.
With significant uncertainty in the lineup and pressure on Cashman to maximize the only guaranteed season with Juan Soto and Aaron Judge together, strategic moves at the deadline are crucial.
Here are four players the Yankees should consider targeting to help ignite a second-half surge.
